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Heading, sometimes also referred to as "bearing," is a universally utilized numerical designation indicating direction relative to magnetic north. The system is based on the 360 degrees of a circle, with north as zero, east as 90, south as 180 and so on. Other than some small commuter planes, most passenger aircraft display their flight path in real time on a computer map, and with that information you can calculate the heading of the current flight path.

Items you will need

Magnetic compass with heading numbers or transparent heading wheel

Map

Pencil

Step 1

Transfer the current flight path from a computer display to your map by using shared, fixed features present on both your map and the computer map to determine placement. Use only that part of the flight path that is straight, because turns represent a change in heading.

Step 2

Lay a compass or transparent heading wheel over the flight path line on your map, so the path runs through the compass.

Step 3

Turn the compass or wheel so magnetic north is aligned with north as indicated on the map. Make this alignment as straight as possible.

Step 4

Read the heading number, which indicates where the flight path intersects with the compass in the direction the plane is moving.

Tip

Determining the plane's heading can serve as a navigational skills game, eating up time for children and adults alike under circumstances where other entertainment is not available. Whenever the plane turns, its heading changes, thus creating a new round of calculation.

If you cannot transfer the flight path from the computer display to your map accurately, use the same procedure on the computer display to determine heading. Because the display is smaller, this is necessarily more awkward, but still workable.

References

About the Author

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

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